SEROEPIDEMIOLOGY OF HEPATITIS E VIRUS INFECTION IN 2-25 YEARS OLD SUBJECTS, SARI-IRAN

Background and purpose: Hepatitis A� Virus (HA�V) infection causes an acute self-limited hepatitis associated with high mortality in pregnant women. Study and information on HA�V infection especially in children and young adults is laking in A�ran. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of HA�V in children and young adults in Sari-A�ran, using a community-based survey. Materials and methods : Randomized serum Samples from 1080 subjects were studied: The population apparently healthy 2 to 25 years old individuals from all regions of Sari district (urban and rural) representing all socioeconomic levels were enrolled and their anti-HA�V A�gG was determined using un A�LA�SA� method. Results : A�nti-HA�V antibodies were found in 25 (2.3) individuals. Serporevalence increased with age from 1.17 in children younger than 10 years to 7.3 in persons 20-25 years of age (P=0.009). A�n comparison between urban and rural areas, earlier exposure to infection, and more infection rate were noticed in population residing rural area. Risk factors for infection included living in runal community, low educational levels and family size. A�onclusion : HA�V infection is endemic in Sari-A�ran. A�ge, type of community, education levels and sewage disposal systems were identified risk factors for HA�V infection.